KS3 & KS4 design and technology curriculum

Being proficient with digital modelling and communication skills is essential for successful design. Pupils develop knowledge and skills learnt previously in units such as Year 7, 'Prototypes with mechanisms: promotional displays', where pupils learnt how to create 3D models. This unit develops modelling and CAD skills. This unit prepares the pupils for subsequent user-centred iterative design units.

1. Explore the context and avoid fixation
2. Disassemble flat pack furniture
3. Standardised components
4. Life cycle assessment of flat pack furniture
5. Define a brief from design opportunities: communal areas
6. Sketch modelling: communal areas
7. Iterate with modelling: communal areas
8. Design development with CAD: communal areas
9. Iterate with CAD: communal areas
10. Design for CAM: communal areas
11. CAM: communal areas
12. Specialist tools and equipment for manufacture: communal areas
13. Specialist techniques and processes for manufacture: communal areas
14. Quality assurance when manufacturing: communal areas
15. Surface treatments and finishes: communal areas
16. Commercial viability: communal areas
17. Market testing: communal areas
18. Evaluate user needs and wants: communal areas

• Pupils can identify users needs and wants.
• Pupils can analyse existing products.
• Pupils know what standard components are, the benefits and drawbacks of using them when designing.
• Pupils know what a life cycle analysis is and why this is important to designers.
• Pupils can identify material sources and the impact on the earth..
• Pupils can create 3D computer aided designs with multiple parts.